New Year, New Gains!
What began as a simple event to offer space amongst professionals of color has turned into a community with membership of hundreds of professionals of color of all levels across the state. We aim to build from within to improve the experience of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) professionals in Vermont.
On behalf of the VT Professionals of Color we are excited to share that the organization received grants from The Northfield Savings Bank Foundation and Vermont Community Foundation. These capacity grants come at a critical moment when existing racial inequality has become ever more prevalent for BIPOC communities. The grants will enable the organization to obtain a 501(c)(3) status, grow in operations, and improve the development of our website that will centralize information and resources for BIPOC professionals.
Specifically, we will support the economic and developmental growth of BIPOC professionals by way of:
Increasing mentorship and internship opportunities;
Building professional networks and ongoing career advancement;
Promoting career opportunities and businesses operated by BIPOC in VT;
Connecting and building opportunities for BIPOC by sharing events, job openings, resources, and training opportunities.
We thank all of our supporters and members that have joined us in this journey to continue to create authentic career connections and professional development for BIPOC Vermonters.
Happy New Year everyone!
Meet the VT PoC Board
Get to know the VT PoC board by clicking our bio’s here
Chair: Tinotenda Charles Rutanhira
Vice-Chair: Weiwei Wang
Executive Director: Phet Keomanyvanh
Board Members: Belan Antensaye, Beth Awhaitey, Luis Calderin
Updates and Resources
Events
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Wednesday, January 20th, 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM
News
BIPOC Business Survey Results
Vermont Partnership for Fairness & Diversity released the preliminary results of its BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Business Survey. Seventy-five (75) BIPOC business owners from ten counties operating in thirteen different business sectors completed the survey. Survey results, findings, and recommendations are posted to the Vermont Partnership website at this link.
Vermont BIPOC Land Access and Opportunity Act
The bill that intends to acknowledge and address systemic racism by creating new opportunities for individual and collective land ownership for BIPOC in every town across the State of Vermont.
Where to Get Tested | Vermont Department of Health
Find out when to consider getting tested for COVID-19. See the many testing locations throughout Vermont, and get answers to your questions about testing.